In case you missed the memo, wearing SPF daily is something I strongly believe in and swear by. To me this is the most important step in your morning skincare routine and the #1 anti-aging tip I could ever share with you. Whether you see the sun or not, it’s there, the rays are there, and on top of that, we also must be aware of the effects that blue light (even from computers, smart phones and TV) has on our skin. These environmental stressors like UVA and UVB Rays, pollution, blue light, etc, causes oxidative damage to the skin. We obviously want to limit that as much as we can, so SPF should be your BFF and if you aren’t already wearing it daily, you should be. Something important to note is there are 2 types of SPF out there – chemical and physical.
Chemical sunscreen is made with chemical compounds that absorb UV rays instead of deflecting them. The most common chemical compounds used are oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone. These chemicals change UV rays into heat, which is released from the skin and scattered. These SPFs are generally thinner in texture, clear and take 20 minutes to start working. I am not a fan of these, they get absorbed into the body and stay there for weeks on end. These chemical screens have also proven to be an endocrine disruptor and affect vitamin D synthesis in the body, which is so important for overall body function and regulating hormones.
Physical/ Mineral sunscreen is also known as sun block. Generally based with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, I prefer to go with Zinc Oxide based screens. This type of SPF works by sitting on top of the skin to deflect the damaging UV rays away from the skin. This is the type I use and suggest using because it is more natural and less abrasive on the skin. Often these will leave a white cast but below I list my favorites which don’t. I promise. I can’t recommend switching over to a physical/ mineral-based screen for you and your family.
It is also important to note that reapplying is as important as applying in the first place. This is something we tend to forget because once we put our makeup on and we are going about our day it’s not top of mind. I will also be sharing what I “touch up” with to keep my skin protected. It’s especially important now in the warmer months, where the sun is strong. Even through car windows we are exposed to the damaging UV rays. So, apply, but then also, reapply!
There are a ton of great SPF products on the market, and I am constantly trying new things, but these are the top 4 I love that are in my rotation. I like to switch up my spf all the time depending on what I’m doing that day, the temperature outside, where my skin is at etc…
Kari Gran SPF 30
Your anti-aging superhero. This mineral sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide as an active barrier to shield the face from UVA rays which cause signs of aging, and UVB rays responsible for sunburn. Made with organic botanical oils, this oil-based sunscreen protects while it hydrates to promote healthy, glowing skin. Made with Raspberry Seed oil, which is light yet highly moisturizing and packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins. Organic French Plum Oil which Restores radiance to the skin with an abundance of antioxidants and omega fatty acids and Non-Nano Zinc Oxide broad-spectrum UV filter that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This SPF is my current facial face, I love the finish and way it looks on the skin. It comes in a tinted formula and non-tinted! Both are fab, go for the tinted one if you want a little coverage.
Josie Maran SPF 47
This product has been my go-to for years. For a long time I found it hard to find anything better than this. I still think this is an excellent choice! This is also the first mineral SPF that made me truly love physical sunscreen. It comes tinted (Protect and Perfect) or not tinted. Both are excellent and I use both regularly. In the colder months I tend to use this daily because it is super hydrating and the tinted one gives nice light coverage and a blurring effect. I love the way my makeup applies over this, for a dewy, glowing complexion. This SPF is definitely on the heavier, dewier side so if you are oily this product may not work well for you. I have suggested this over and over and 90% of the time people love it and swear by it but there is that 10% that find it too greasy for them.
Tao’s AER SPF 30
Safeguard your skin from damaging UV rays with the power of nature’s most potent plants and minerals. Tao’s AER lightweight mineral sunscreen is made with 20% non-nano zinc oxide, a globally trusted and scientifically tested natural sunblock. Unlike many traditional mineral sunscreens, Taos AER has been inclusively formulated for a transparent, non-whitening dry down — meaning no chalky finish. They have also infused a specialized blend of desert plant oils and botanicals that not only hydrate and nourish skin, but also contribute to our independently tested and verified 40 minutes of water resistance. Taos AER’s face and body SPF is lightly scented with our proprietary blend of sage, cedarwood, bergamot, and vetiver essential oils. The scent is low volume and unisex. Refreshing to the senses and the skin, Taos AER SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen is the new standard of clean beauty and responsible sun care. When we say clean, we mean clean — Taos AER SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen is vegan and formulated without parabens, gluten, petroleum, or synthetic fragrances. They also use natural, non-nano mineral sun block that’s ocean safe and free of reef-bleaching chemicals. Excellent for body and face for the whole family.
Let’s talk REAPPLY! This is just as important as the initial application. I have made it a part of my routine so I’m used to it but I like to apply using mineral based powders that don’t affect my makeup or take up more than a few extra seconds of my day. This product is easy to throw into your purse or leave in your car and gives a quick once over on your face around lunchtime and then again before dinner if you are going to be going back outside. I generally reapply midday and then again around 5pm when I take my dog out for a walk if it’s a sunny day. If I am on vacation or spending a day in the sun, I will reapply every 2 hours with this! You can also reapply using any of the above sunscreens, if you are wearing makeup a great tip to re-apply with a makeup sponge!
ColoreScience Sunforgettable SPF 50 Brush on Shield
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-on Shield SPF 50 is powered by EnviroScreen Technology, this all-powerful, all-mineral skin shield provides complete protection in one convenient, on-the-go application—alone or over makeup. The 100% all-mineral formula featuring EnviroScreen Technology goes way beyond UV and provides unmatched protection against sun and pollution, so you’re shielded from:
- UVA/UVB SPF 50
- POLLUTION
- BLUE (HEV) LIGHT
- INFRARED RADIATION
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